Faith-based institutions

[hopefulslp1]

Has anyone on this forum been accepted to or is currently attending a program at a faith-based school? I'm just curious because I'm not a very religious person but I am applying to a few programs that are at a school that is faith-based. Does the faith-based institution have any effect on the CSD material that you are taught? I feel like it doesn't but I just want to make sure and am curious about what these programs are like or if there is any difference at all. Thank you in advance to anyone who responds!

[SLPsingballs]

I think it would be important to make sure the programs you are applying to are accredited by ASHA, and aside from that, match your interests.  If there are faith-based schools with ASHA accredited programs that you are interested in, go for it!  I cannot vouch for any educational differences in applying to a faith-based institution, as I do not attend one.  All ASHA accredited programs follow specific criteria and usually have some extras they teach.  I would imagine they wouldn't stay accredited if the curriculum deviated too far from the outline of what a masters program should have for SLP.  Good luck with your applications, wherever they are at!!   

[rheya19]

I'm not sure what you mean by "faith-based" institution. There are many private universities founded in conjunction with a specific denomination (especially ones founded before WWII) that aren't particularly religious in character. For example, the University of Chicago was founded by Baptists but isn't a Baptist school anymore; it just retains a nominal relationship.

There are some universities, that expect students to abide by codes of conduct set by their denomination and their professors not to teach anything contrary to their denomination's teachings.

Then there are private universities somewhere in between the two extremes. Which schools in particular are you looking at? You should be able to research them and find out what their religious character is (or isn't.)

[hopefulslp1]

Thanks for the replies! I didn't think they would sway from the curriculum at all either since this one school in particular is ASHA accredited. The question just came to mind because in their personal statement prompt they ask a question that describes them as a "faith-based institution" and how their program fits into my personal objectives. So I was just curious if there was any difference at all! 

[joannly]

Hi! I currently go to a 'faith-based' institution. There definitely isn't any difference in the curriculum, but it does make a difference in admissions. They like for their applicants to be religious because that's something that they highly value in a prospective student there. I have heard of a few applicants getting rejected last application cycle when they admitted that they were not religious. Whether that was why they were rejected or not, we can't really say for sure though.